Northern Star held succesful first camp

The weekend of 27-29th January, the Northern Star Drum & Bugle Corps held their first camp of 2006, a year that everyone at the corps is looking forward to coming off of their most succesful season to date in 2005.

With several new staff members, new approaches and a cracking show it seems that all is set for 2006 to be yet another year where the Yorkshire corps raises the bar even higher. 2006 sees the corps travelling to Europe five times, including a 9 day tour of France alongside the competetive outings. There are also several other high profile performances in the offing, details of which are being finalised and will be released in the not too distant future.

This weekend saw the corps rehearse with around 90% of the current brass line and already the sound is there with the opener and the ballad already learnt. "The line is making great progress with its winter program and is handling some new techniques well", said section head Phil Collins. "This year, for example, we have changed our approach to breathing & breath support and with this have introduced a totally new exercise program to support this. It’s fantastic to see the line rising to this challenge and it will be great to hear them develop over the coming weeks and months."

Also taking big strides are the front ensemble, in recent years one of the most talked about sections in European drum corps. "This season has seen a brand new technique program brought in for the front ensemble", said percussion section head Nick Emmett. "Already we’re seeing the results from this as well as already having part one down to a decent standard too." The battery have only held one or two rehearsals so far as some of the members have been away with other ventures but this weekend saw the line start to take shape more with the new members fitting in well and getting part one down in time for sundays ensemble.

The colour guard, possibly the most improved guard in Europe last year, are working hard on developing the improvements they made last year under the direction of section head Tina Burke. "We are making fantastic progress so far this season. We have been working on the performance aspect of our show using movement and dance and drama sessions, which the members enjoyed and benefited from immensely", Tina said.

There are a several spots still available. Everyone who is interested in marching with Northern Star can contact the corps via their website at www.northernstargroup.org.